The Chargers' 5 key players in 2012

The Philip Rivers fans and media saw last season, with 20 interceptions, is not the Philip Rivers the team expects to see this season.

K.C. Alfred

The Philip Rivers fans and media saw last season, with 20 interceptions, is not the Philip Rivers the team expects to see this season.

The Philip Rivers fans and media saw last season, with 20 interceptions, is not the Philip Rivers the team expects to see this season. (K.C. Alfred)

Good morrrrning San Diego:

What’s happening today: It’s the first official day of practice for veterans at Chargers camp. This Just In takes a look at the five most important players heading into the 2012 season.

Philip Rivers Was he playing hurt last season? Was he trying to do too much? Did he wilt under pass-rush pressure? Or did he simply have, by his standards, a poor season? That’s the Philip Rivers 2011 mystery. A career-high 20 interceptions. Only 27 TD passes, fewest since 2007. A bizarre fumbled snap in KC. If the Bolts are to return to the playoffs, the team’s emotional leader must play like, well, like Philip Rivers.

Melvin Ingram Flypaper cornerbacks are not the key to pass defense. Pressure on the quarterback, that’s the No. 1 factor in building a pass defense. Quarterbacks hate getting hit. They hate getting hit from their blind side. They hate pressure in the face. They like standing all pretty in the pocket, tapping the football and letting loose with pretty spirals. Quarterbacks have been doing that against the Bolts for years, or ever since Shawne Merriman ceased being a factor. Enter Ingram. This team needs a breakout performance by the rookie.

Ryan Mathews Mathews showed up to camp out of shape last season. He continued putting the ball on the floor. (Five fumbles each of his first two seasons.) While his numbers improved last season (1,091 yards rushing to 678; 50 catches to 22) he must elevate his play some more. He’s said to be in excellent condition. Big things are expected. A breakthrough season will take much of the pressure off Rivers.

Jared Gaither A quarterback’s best friend isn’t the tight end that’s getting separation. It isn’t a wide receiver with Superman speed. It’s his left tackle. His blind-side protector. His body guard. Gaither played fantastic late last season after the Chiefs released him. He signed a $24.6 million contract. But the rap on him in the past was his work ethic. Will he turn complacent with the money? Rivers and Co. hope not.

Quentin Jammer Jammer is 33 years old. Methuselah for an NFL cornerback. He played poorly last season when he admits he struggled on the field and off while dealing with a divorce. And yet he still mans one of the Chargers’ starting cornerback jobs. If this team’s to make a playoff run, Jammer must turn back the clock and play like the Jammer of old.

Mark Zeigler ‏@sdutzeigler

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